Science at KWPS
Subject Leader: Mrs R Lewthwaite
What Science Looks Like at KWPS
EYFS
In the Early Years, Science is taught through exploration, play and hands-on experiences as part of Understanding the World. Children investigate the natural world through observation, questioning and discussion. Learning focuses on developing curiosity about the environment, seasonal change and living things. Evidence of learning is recorded through observations and class floor books.
KS1 & KS2
Science is taught through weekly lessons following the National Curriculum. Topics are organised into Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are carefully sequenced to build knowledge over time.
Pupils learn through:
- predicting and questioning
- practical investigations
- observing and recording
- analysing results and drawing conclusions
Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and used in discussions, diagrams and written work. Regular retrieval opportunities are built into lessons to support long-term knowledge retention.
Enrichment
Science is enriched through a wide range of practical experiences that inspire curiosity and bring learning to life.
These include:
- British Science Week
- STEM workshops
- educational visits
- visiting scientists and STEM professionals
- practical investigations
- outdoor learning
- Forest School
- sustainability and environmental projects.
These opportunities help children appreciate the relevance of science beyond the classroom while encouraging curiosity, creativity and aspiration.
Assemblies
Assemblies support science learning through themes such as sustainability, innovation and real-world scientific developments.
Cross-curricular links
Science is linked with:
- Maths (data handling, measuring and graphs)
- English (discussion, explanation, report writing and scientific vocabulary)
- Computing (research, data handling and presentation)
- Geography (climate, sustainability and the natural environment)
- Design and Technology (materials, mechanisms and engineering).
Inclusive practice
All pupils access the Science curriculum. Learning is adapted through scaffolding, modelling, practical support, adaptive teaching and targeted questioning to ensure every child can access, enjoy and achieve success in Science. We are committed to maintaining high expectations for all learners, enabling every child to develop confidence, curiosity and independence through scientific enquiry.
The Intent of our Science Curriculum
At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we believe that Science inspires curiosity, develops critical thinking and helps children make sense of the world around them. Our ambitious curriculum provides all pupils with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they need to understand scientific concepts and appreciate the role of science in everyday life.
Through practical investigations and enquiry-based learning, children develop the confidence to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas and draw conclusions using evidence. We encourage pupils to think and work like scientists, fostering curiosity, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.
Our curriculum is designed to:
- spark curiosity and nurture a love of science
- develop children's understanding of scientific concepts and enquiry skills
- encourage children to think like scientists by questioning, exploring and investigating
- build secure scientific knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary
- promote ambition and aspiration through an awareness of STEM careers
- provide memorable learning experiences through practical, hands-on investigations.
We want every child to believe they can be a scientist and to develop the confidence to apply their knowledge and skills to explain the world around them. Our curriculum prepares pupils for the next stage of their education while inspiring future scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals and innovators.
The Implementation of our Science Curriculum
Our Science curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in both scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills from EYFS to Year 6.
The curriculum is organised into four key strands:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Working Scientifically
Children progressively develop their scientific understanding through a range of enquiry approaches, including:
- observing over time
- pattern seeking
- identifying, classifying and grouping
- comparative and fair testing
- researching using secondary sources.
Lessons begin by revisiting prior learning and identifying misconceptions before introducing new knowledge. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit, enabling pupils to communicate their ideas accurately and confidently.
Learning is practical, engaging and enquiry-based, providing opportunities for children to investigate, collaborate, analyse evidence and draw conclusions. Trips, visitors and real-life contexts further enhance learning and demonstrate the importance of science in everyday life.
The Impact of our Science Curriculum
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will:
- demonstrate secure scientific knowledge across Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- work scientifically by planning investigations, analysing evidence and drawing conclusions
- use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently
- understand the relevance of science in everyday life
- show curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm for scientific enquiry.
Our pupils leave KWPS as confident, inquisitive learners who are well prepared for secondary science and inspired to continue exploring the world around them.
National Curriculum Aims for Science
The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science
These aims underpin our curriculum and are embedded within every Science unit from EYFS to Year 6.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous and informs future teaching.
Teachers assess pupils' understanding through:
- questioning
- observation
- practical investigations
- pupil discussion
- written work
- teacher assessment.
Assessment is used to identify misconceptions, celebrate achievement, inform future teaching and ensure pupils make strong progress in both scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills.
What is taught in each year group
Our Science curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring progression in knowledge and skills over time.
Please see our Science Curriculum Overview below for full details of what is taught in each year group.
Progression of Skills
Working Scientifically
EYFS:
Children explore, observe and talk about the world around them.
KS1:
Pupils ask simple questions, carry out basic tests and begin to record results.
LKS2:
Pupils plan and carry out investigations, record findings and begin to explain results.
UKS2:
Pupils design fair tests, analyse results, draw conclusions and evaluate investigations.
Scientific Knowledge
EYFS:
Children begin to understand the natural world and changes over time.
KS1:
Pupils develop knowledge of plants, animals, materials and seasonal change.
LKS2:
Pupils deepen understanding of living things, forces, light, rocks and states of matter.
UKS2:
Pupils explore more complex concepts including electricity, evolution, space and the human body.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Our Science curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate and succeed.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND regulations by:
- adapting teaching to meet individual needs
- using scaffolding and practical support
- providing targeted support
- maintaining high expectations for all learners
Find Out More
If you would like more information about the Science curriculum, please contact:
Mrs R Lewthwaite – Science Subject Leader
Enquiries can be made via the school office